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ArtBeat
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by Deirdre Cerkanowicz
RICHMOND ART CENTER
Alternative Ideas
You still have time to see Alternating Current: An Exploration in
Spirituality and Technology, curated by Timothy Tay director. Technology and
Spirituality might seem to be mutually exclusive, and this opinion has
certainly contributed to many of the problems present in today's world. They
need not be seen as opposites. Timothy Taylor's exhibit shows the continuum
between the two, as opposed to the polarity. Artists have always taken
advantage of current technology to increases their ability to express
themselves and the works displayed here are no exception. Drawing on his
background in theology and art, Taylor brings together a strong and diverse
group of work dealing with the marriage of Spirit and Technology from Adam
Savage's winged Public Servant in the sunlit front foyer, to the Oden
Santiago's ethereal neon "paintings" in the dimly lit back gallery. Concern
about death is a spiritual dilemma, and several artists confront mortality
and AIDS; from the aged leather weightlifting equipment coverings by Daniel
Goldstein containing ghostly images reminiscent of the shroud of Turin, Jeff
Kotun's intricately drawn circles replicating themselves in Virus, to the
soft spherical cells in Invasion surrounding the hard bright angular neon
virus. Thom Faulders' pieces containing electronic motors, and using the
graphite drawn on plaster as the conducting element exude a feeling of
seducing danger about them -- you want to touch the spark or the -- line or
the surface and feel the charge. Gail Wight uses sound, text and
electroencephalographs in her installations and books. Diane Rudsten used
transparency material commonly used in advertising to construct somewhat
disturbing juxtapositions. Marque Cornblatt's constructions of the human
body used video monitors to create an introverting effect. Lee Roy Champagne
had several installations combining symbols from Christian and Hindu
Cosmology. The exhibit closes September 11, 1994.
Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall...
Many people equate art with beauty, but what exactly is beautiful?
Measuring Up, curated by Anastasia Shartin, explores different perceptions
of beauty and how it impacts on women. The upcoming exhibit in the Main
Galleries is by the Beauty Project, a group of artists confronting
perceptions of women's beauty and self esteem. The reception is on September
21 and the exhibit runs through November 13, 1994 so there is plenty of time
to view the exhibit.
Running concurrently with Measuring Up, will be an exhibit in the
Community Gallery curated by Sharon Siskin. Like Facing Aids, the exhibit
she curated last fall, the subject will be AIDS.
Art Classes
Fall classes at the Richmond Art Center start September 13 and run
through December 16, 1994. There are classes and workshops in a variety of
media for everyone from children through adults. Parents may be interested
in knowing that they can receive a $10 discount on children's classes by
joining Richmond Art Center at the Family membership level. You will also
receive the RAC newsletter, class schedules, announcements and discounts on
publications and events. For more information about classes and events
call (510) 620-6772.
Tribute
The Work of Rose Sultan, an exhibit in the Community Gallery, featured
the painting of long time resident and Richmond Art Center member and
artist, Rose Sultan, who passed away last fall. The exhibit paid tribute to
the inspiration she shared through the art-making process with family,
friends and the creative community. Her subjects ranged from flowers (of
which she`was very fond), close friends, and relatives and landscapes. Some
were of local scenes like the art center and Kellers Beach, and others were
of the Central Coast and the Sierra. Her enthusiasm for painting shows in
her bold brush strokes and use of color. Many of her paintings were for sale
and the proceeds went to the Richmond Art Center.
Art as Therapy Abstract & Alzheimer's: an Unimpaired Expression was an
exhibit of artwork by West County Adult Day Care Center Clients. The exhibit
was curated by Kathleen Hogan, MFA, an art instructor at the West County
Adult Day Care Center.The Day Care Center is located at 1015 Nevin, Suite
108, in Richmond. In addition to offer art music, movement therapy, field
trips and other services to its clients, the center also offers a family
support group for caregivers. For more information about the Center's
services, call Deborah at 510-235-6276.
NIAD
Wear Your Art
Art for the Body, an exhibit of wearable art will open at the Florence
Ludin-Katz Memorial (NIAD) Gallery at 551 23rd Street in Richmond. The
exhibit features the work of artists who (according to the sources at NIAD,
push the boundaries of clothing through creative use of material and process.
Fantasy, ritual and celebration are important aspects of much of the work.
For more information call (510) 237-3939.